A horse charity is appealing for information after a pony was found abandoned in a field this week in an incredibly poor state.

The Shetland pony, thought to be around 12-years old, was found loose in a field in Carlton Le Moorland by a PCSO. She arrived at equine welfare charity Bransby Horses on Wednesday (15th February).

After examining the Shetland, who now goes by the name of Veronica, Bransby staff found that the mare had a body condition score of just 1.5 out of 5. Her feet were incredibly overgrown and she needed X-rays to determine how damaged her feet were.

Speaking on behalf of Bransby Horses, Vet Nurse, Ellisha Raven said: “Veronica has had her hooves X-rayed and trimmed; she will need corrective farriery every two weeks. Sadly, she also has a heavy lice infestation, which had caused sores on her face and body.

Veronica has had an X-ray on her feet to assess the damage

“She has been fully clipped and will receive delousing treatment and have a bath with medical shampoo every two days. She is a very sweet pony and is hopefully feeling much more comfortable now.

“The appeal to find Veronica’s owner is very important as we would like to know what happened to her. She may have been missing for a long period of time, so there’s potential to reunite with her owner. An abandonment notice has been served so Veronica will be signed over to Bransby Horses soon if nobody comes forward.”

If you have any information on this case, please contact Bransby Horse’s External Welfare Team on 01427 787369.